FLKR vs. ISVL

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and ISVL (iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while ISVL is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex US ex Korea Small Cap Focused Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLKR returned 17.20%/yr vs 10.85%/yr for ISVL. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for ISVL.

Performance

FLKR vs. ISVL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLKR achieves a 88.17% return, which is significantly higher than ISVL's 9.72% return.

FLKR

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -5.67%
• 6M: 69.24%
• YTD: 88.17%
• 1Y: 153.09%
• 3Y*: 45.44%
• 5Y*: 17.20%
• 10Y*: —

ISVL

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -0.22%
• 6M: 6.52%
• YTD: 9.72%
• 1Y: 24.81%
• 3Y*: 21.24%
• 5Y*: 10.85%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FLKR vs. ISVL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	88.17%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.62%
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	9.72%	42.84%	4.58%	17.56%	-13.69%	8.32%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and ISVL is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2021	0.61

The correlation between FLKR and ISVL shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.61 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FLKR vs. ISVL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLKR	ISVL
Technology	62.9%	5.3%
Industrials	14.6%	21.8%
Financial Services	7.4%	21.9%
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	11.0%
Healthcare	2.4%	3.7%
Communication Services	2.0%	2.7%
Basic Materials	1.9%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	4.8%
Energy	0.7%	5.8%
Utilities	0.3%	1.3%
Real Estate	-	11.2%

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. ISVL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 92
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 94

ISVL

ISVL Risk / Return Rank: 57
ISVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ISVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
ISVL Omega Ratio Rank: 61
ISVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ISVL Martin Ratio Rank: 55

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FLKR vs. ISVL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) and iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FLKR	ISVL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.07	1.63	+1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	2.35	+0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.30	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.61	1.94	+4.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.76	7.48	+13.29

FLKR vs. ISVL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 3.07, which is higher than the ISVL Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR and ISVL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FLKR vs. ISVL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, which is greater than ISVL's maximum drawdown of -30.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and ISVL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	ISVL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-30.48%	-19.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.03%	-12.48%	-10.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-12.93%	-13.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.14%	-30.48%	-17.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.53%	-1.02%	-15.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.93%	-6.56%	-15.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.32%	3.23%	+4.09%

Volatility

FLKR vs. ISVL - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a higher volatility of 24.66% compared to iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) at 4.25%. This indicates that FLKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ISVL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLKR	ISVL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	24.66%	4.25%	+20.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.71%	12.66%	+34.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.65%	14.79%	+34.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.98%	16.91%	+14.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.12%	16.73%	+12.39%

FLKR vs. ISVL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than ISVL's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLKR vs. ISVL - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.45%, less than ISVL's 3.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	2.45%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	3.15%	2.69%	3.92%	3.82%	3.37%	2.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLKR and ISVL in my portfolio?

FLKR and ISVL have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLKR or ISVL?

FLKR has higher volatility (24.66%) compared to ISVL (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs ISVL's -30.48%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or ISVL?

On 5-year performance, FLKR leads with 17.20% vs 10.85% for ISVL. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, ISVL has been the lower-risk option at 4.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or ISVL?

Over the 5-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 17.20% return vs 10.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or ISVL?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for ISVL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLKR or ISVL?

ISVL has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 2.45% for FLKR.

What is the main difference between FLKR and ISVL?

FLKR is categorized as South Korea Equities, while ISVL is Small Cap Value Equities. FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while ISVL tracks FTSE Developed ex US ex Korea Small Cap Focused Value Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 0.30% for ISVL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.07 vs 1.63), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.